Make Labmates, Not Enemies.

The Problem:

There will be many times in our careers when we will find ourselves in a new job environment.  Whether we’re starting as a tech, grad student, postdoc or faculty, the transition period can be tough.  And let’s face it, scientists aren’t exactly known for their social graces.  The combination of stress and awkwardness can be explosive and leave people on both sides of the fence with a bad taste in their mouths

The Solution:

Luckily, there are a few very simple steps we can take to keep our new colleagues on our side.

Step 1. Be Humble.

Nobody at our new job cares what we did previously.  Seriously.  Nobody.  Sure, your elegant 14-step synthesis of a novel antibiotic with 12 chiral centers helped you get the job, but it impresses no one but yourself at this point.  It’s important to keep in mind that with a new job, you are entering a new world, their world.

Think about this- everyone at your new job knows more than you about the job.  Even the high school student that’s been working there for 6 months.  They know where the spatulas are…they know what makes the boss angry…they know who not to talk to until they’ve had their coffee – do you?   They could decide to grill you on day one and make you look like a jackass, but they don’t.  Take a moment to appreciate this fact and realize that you can learn from all of them.

You were hired for a reason, let that give you confidence.  Bragging about previous accomplishments will only make you look stuck in the past.

Step 2. Be respectful.

Every lab has a different identity- a different feel.  Some labs make fun of eachother endlessly and then go out for drinks together.  Some labs mind their own business and only speak when spoken to.  Although your interview probably gave you a feeling for the environment you’re moving into, err on the side of caution.  Dial back any sarcasm, arrogance, strong politic opinions and just be a genuinely nice person for a little while.  Resist the urge to let someone know their “glasses are really cool, if it’s 1974,” or that their project “is super interesting, if you’re one of two people in the world who actually cares.”  Those comments may be funny coming from a friend, but you aren’t their friend – yet.

An important part of being respectful is listening.  Try letting people finish what they’re saying and waiting 2 seconds before talking.  There’s nothing like sitting in group meeting watching the boss and a student talk over eachother for 10 minutes.  It usually ends the same way- no resolve and two angry people.

Several weeks after your arrival, you’ll find that other people will let their guard down as well.  As these personalities develop, it will become clear which labmates will be able to appreciate your complete Smurf collection, or who will be able to finish your Caddyshack quotes.

Step 3. Say “Thank you”.
I’m pretty sure this doesn’t need a huge explanation.  Everytime you ask someone anything, remember to finish with these two little words.  So easy and means so much.  Although it may have only taken 10 seconds of their time to point you in the direction of the best lunch place around, it still took time.  If people know you appreciate and respect them, they will be much more inclined to return the favor.

New jobs are fun.  New jobs where everybody hates you are not.  Don’t make it any harder than it needs to be.